10 Best Tree Removal Companies in Whittier, CA - USA Today (2024)

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal is especially important in Whittier due to the area's high wildfire risk. Entrust the job to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is critical for your property's health. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and expensive property damage.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Whittier, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Whittier

Look for tree removal companies in Whittier with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

How do you know a tree needs to be removed?

If a tree on your property shows indications of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Whittier is below average compared to other American cities. Consider contacting a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to crack or lift. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree or its offshoots are too close to your home, garage or shed. The tree is dropping an unusual amount of needles, branches, seeds, sap or leaves. The tree has diseases, mold or pests weakening its structure. The tree's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal. The tree is severely burned or visibly dead.

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil surrounding the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to evaluate the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have structural defects beyond repair, making them more likely to fall. A falling tree poses a major risk to property, pets, vehicles and people. Rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal experts may offer a range of other services. Besides their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with these other jobs:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so it will more easily decompose. A contractor can also remove the stump altogether in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, leaves and branches to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Whittier

Follow these steps to make the most informed tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer suitable solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on planting, moving and pruning trees. California doesn't have arborist licensing rules, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have at least three years of experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. In California, a tree removal professional must have a Tree Removal Contractor license through the Contractors State License Board. Ask potential tree removal service providers about their licensing before hiring them.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, have a tree risk assessment (TRA). During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the trunk, crown and roots by circumnavigating the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting multiple estimates to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, friends and family for recommendations for tree removal services near you. It's also wise to check online reviews on sites like BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews.

Our methodology for selecting tree removal companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.